The 50th year anniversary two-day motorcycle race meeting takes place at Jurby Motordrome this weekend.

It was 50 years last April that Andreas Racing Association organised the inaugural event road race meeting on the 4.25-mile Jurby South public roads course.

The first event on the nearby former RAF drome was held in September 1974, but racing in earnest on the airfield did not get underway until the July of 1975 - precisely 45 years ago now.

A lot of planning has gone into getting racing back in operation following the coronavirus pandemic as this will be the first road race to take place anywhere in the British Isles since the outbreak.

Four-time Centre champion Ryan Cringle was hoping to contest the event, but he has pulled his entry as the wrist and collarbone injuries suffered in a recent mountain bike smash have not properly healed.

His younger brother Jamie is likely to be at the head of the pack on his 1000cc Suzuki, along with former champion Ryan Kneen and Mikey Evans on a brace of BMWs.

Others to look out for in the open class include Ozzy Madey, Rory Parker and Illiam Quayle, while the new up to 750cc class (incorporated) includes Paul Cassidy, Marc Colvin, Tomo Burnett, Dave Quine, Brendan Fargher, Frankie Stennett and Paul Cassidy, so close racing is predicted.

Sidecars make a welcome return for the first time since 2018 and there is likely to be a hot pace at the sharp end between Jurby brothers Ryan and Callum Crowe, and former champions Dave Molyneux and Ben Binns. Harry Payne and Olly Lace should also be on the pace.

The solo support classes include Post-Classic, the Single, Twin, Triple races, 400cc, novice/intermediate and the ever-competitive 600cc category with a slightly adjusted category for pre-fuel injection machines.

The approximate timetable is as follows: 8-9am: scrutineering and signing on; 9am: race school / riders briefing; 9.30-11am practice; 11.30-12.30pm first three races; 12.30-1.15 lunch break; 1.15 to 5pm further racing.

There will be an admission on the gate, good facilities/parking are available, plus live commentary from Chris Kinley, refreshments and trackside parking.